Saturday, May 5, 2012

Canaries at the Emirates–Farewell Pat Rice-The last hurrah!

We welcome Norwich City to the Emirates today in a must-win game. Nothing less than 3 points will do in the race to achieve 3rd place. In the reverse fixture at Carrow Road, it took a determined Arsenal to come away with a hard-fought 2-1 win.
The 12:45 kick-off is a benefit to us as we can set the bar tomorrow, we can play without fear and release the metaphorical handbrake. Three points will put us 4 points ahead, leaving our rivals chasing us knowing that they have to win. That kind of pressure can work in our favour.
I am really looking forward to the fixture, I think it is a good time for us to play Norwich, they are out of form and out of puff. The wind has gone from their sails a bit and I think mentally they are already at the airport searching for their departure lounge for their holiday jaunt.
Saying that, they will probably prove me wrong tomorrow, god I hope not.
Rumours abound that Pat Rice will retire at the end of the season, so this is an ideal opportunity to celebrate his achievements and give him a few cheers, especially if he limps around on the lap of appreciation.
Everyone has their ideas on who they would like to step into Pat’s shoes. Steve Bould looks to be a favourite, but I think he is quite happy in his developmental role (he has alluded to this in prior interviews) and would not relish being in the spotlight more. Arsene will want an ally, it wouldn’t surprise me if Bergkamp returned, but his inability to fly counts against him. Boro Primorac could well step up from his first team coaching role, he has been Arsene’s number two in the past and might welcome a return.
Whoever takes the role on will have big boots to fill, not just in supporting Arsene, but in helping take us to the next level.
Taking an early stock-take of the season, it’s been a bit of a
roller-coaster. There have been some amazing highs and some awful, awful lows. I think it is a credit to our fans however that the vast majority have been supporting the team and the great atmosphere at the Emirates since the turn of the year has been a massive credit to us Gooner’s.
Lets hope we can enjoy the end of the season hurrah at the Emirates tomorrow and enjoy the visit to West Brom knowing our rivals are struggling behind us.
Come on you Gooner’s!!