Opposition View – Arsenal

Giles Anyiam of the The Gooner Ramble answers our questions this week.

How long have you supported Arsenal and what was the first game you went to?
Since the early 80s. First game was Everton at home Littlewoods Cup (now Capital one) semi final 1988. Won 3-1 that night. Crazy atmosphere!

Best and worst games in your time as a fan?
Best  – Anfield 1989 (obviously)
Worst –  Champions League final 2006

Favourite ever player and manager and why?
Ian Wright – best finisher I’ve seen play for The Arsenal. Absolutely loved scoring goals for fun!
Best Manager – George Graham & Arsene Wenger have served the longest tenure during my time as a fan. I’ve got to say Arsene. Brought so many happy memories. Graham unfortunately had lost it by the time he was sacked and was caught taking bungs.

How’s your season been so far?
PL Good period since the defeat to West Ham. Shame we’ve encountered injuries.
CL – Absymal start losing to teams with shockingly bad records. But showed against Bayern we can beat the best of them on our day. Typical Arsenal.

Presumably you were happy with the arrival if Petr Cech over the summer but were you disappointed he was the only new face?
Yes absolutely. Cech was a monster buy, improved the team and simultaneously weakened a rival. Money in the bank to add one or two more quality players. I didn’t buy the excuse there wasn’t anyone out there to improve the squad.

What are your expectations this term and what trophy is your biggest priority?
PL title is my biggest priority however I think we’ll come up just short. Retaining the FA Cup again would be nice. Would love to go deep into the CL KO stages.

The Swans have a great record against the Gunners recently, what do you put that down to?
That’s a good question. I’d put it down to the fact Garry Monk has devised game plans to outsmart us. Goes to show with sound tactics and proper preparation you can beat a more “talented” team.

What do you make if Swansea so far this term and which players if any do you fear?
Well you’re up there again within striking distance of Europe and you’re unbeaten at home so far. Great scalp beating Man Utd and nearly disposing of Chelsea on the opening weekend.

Jefferson Montero is the standout one! Ever since I saw him bamboozle Calum Chambers he’s gone on from strength to strength. You’ve got some other good players such as Gylfi Sigurdsson and Bafetimbi Gomis. I really like Andre Ayew. I said before the season that he was a great capture by Garry Monk. And I’ll always have a soft spot for Lukasz Fabianski. So long as he doesn’t thwart us on Saturday!!

Predict the score and where both teams will finish?
Score draw: 1-1
I’ll say we’ll finish 2nd and Swans to finish 7th.