Communication can break down in all walks of life, even at the very highest levels. Through nobody's fault it is this reason I haven't penned my thoughts for a longer period than normal so to all those who have e-mailed me, I apologise. I have a lovely warm feeling inside however, that this piece follows our third victory this season over our nearest and dearest rivals. Sometimes a smile is the only thing required. Believe me, they know.
So, what has happened in our Arsenal world since I last spoke? Highs and lows I guess but so much that obviously I will try and keep things as brief as possible.
Sunderland came to north London, we looked sharp, played some great football and thoroughly deserved our comfortable victory. It was certainly the perfect tonic to take us up to Stoke after the disappointment of Munich at home. Unfortunately at the Britannia we were poor on the day although it took a harsh penalty decision to see us come home with nothing.
Overall it meant we went into our massive FA Cup quarter-final against Everton with many predicting our downfall. On a beautifully sunny afternoon our team done us proud and made those so-called 'experts' eat some serious humble pie. A magnificent day and at least one trip to Wembley beckons.
Germany is a quite fantastic country to watch your team. In all my travels I can think of no other destination that can consistently offer better. The cities we have visited are clean, travel is simple and efficient and most importantly of all the people are friendly, welcoming and hospitable. And boy do they know how to party!
We have been fortunate enough to visit the city of Munich on a number of occasions over the years but for me, this topped the lot... even if the result wasn't quite what we all hoped for. Parties, karaoke, bierkellers, schnitzels, sausages, a day trip to Salzburg and a severe lack of sleep spring to mind as our group of 20 enjoyed plenty of what the city had to offer.
After we equalised in the game I felt our hosts looked a little nervous for 10 minutes or so. If we had scored again during that period it could have been a different story. As it was we came away with our heads held high knowing it was the unfortunate incidents in the first leg that probably put us out. One final party on our latest European tour before thoughts turned to our trip down the Seven Sisters Road on Sunday afternoon.
Sunday 4pm kick-offs are my least favourite to be honest, probably because they can make or break your forthcoming working week with very little time to recover. On a warm and sunny afternoon however, we didn't have to wait too long for that all-important away jostle! Tommy you absolute beauty! Get in!
The expected carnage ensued and roared on by the Gooners present we went on to secure those vital three points and a satisfying 'treble' for the season. Looking at the game I felt we were the better side in the first half and could have gone in further ahead. Our hosts enjoyed more of the second half without creating much. One mistake probably should have seen them equalise while the BFG came very close to doubling our lead at the other end.
And now, to accompany the smile, a week of relative calm! Before we head to Stamford Bridge for the latest in our long line of enormous fixtures.
There's no getting off this rollercoaster ride quite yet Gooners!
Victoria Concordia Crescit
Frank
@stubbsy70
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