I think the result is what's important. Arsenal playing away in Holland against an Umbrella-Boy led team, it had the potential to be problematic. So well done lads on a good, solid performance that makes the return leg at the Emirates a little easier.

This result probably hasn't swayed many, but I think there are too many Gooners getting a little too worried about what's going on this summer, in respect to the apparent lack of quality summer signings. Something's going down behind the scenes, I think it's a fairly safe bet. The summer still ain't over; don't worry, somebody (anybody!) will come and snap up Eboue...

Fat Frank now the highest earner in the Premiership? That sure buys a lot of Mars bars. Did I ever tell you about the time I shared a lift with him in a Tel Aviv hotel? Should have stamped on the buggar's foot when I had the chance. And Mourinho, keep your mouth shut, you twat...

Aye, another scorcher this morning. I'm in my leopard skin thong and sweating like a pig, and it's still only 8.20 in the morning...at least the jellyfish have disappeared, looks like they've shimmied themselves all the way over to the UK coast...

It looks like a certain Mr Berbatov could finally be on his way to Man United in the next few hours. And, as I utter this through gritted teeth, this move is likely to make Man United just that little bit stronger. Berbatov is a classy player, let's face it, way too classy for a club like Spurs. And he could be enough to help Man United steal the show yet again this year.

Don't get me wrong, as a Gooner I'm usually optimistic, and the lads will be there fighting for it, of that I'm sure, but Man United's strength in-depth is what makes the difference. They didn't need to go out and splash the cash. None of their regular first-team squad left (despite constant press-mongering from those fuckers over at Madrid), so they will be strong yet again this year. Ditto for Chelsea, who have actually strengthened without losing stars too. But no, I'm not going to launch into a tirade about why Arsene should go and open those purse strings. We all know he should, let's leave it at that. Let's just hope that if Berbatov does actually join Man United, then it will spark off a tumultuous Premiership summer spending spree that will see Arsenal get a couple of decent, experienced players (and perhaps see a taker for Eboue? Please...). Please Arsene, no more 17 year old starlets.

Anyway, tonight it really kicks off for Arsenal. Could be a little bit tougher than we are probably anticipating, and without a few regulars, including Toure, Cesc and Senderos. Perhaps a little something to come from some of the youngsters? Jack is there, Aaron and Carlos too. Looking forward to it, though not sure if I'll be able to catch the game live.

Aahhh, footie, it's back!

Ahh, good to be back in the civilized world. There was a moment when I was beginning to wonder if I'd ever make it back, but it all came good in the end (yesterday), telephone, Internet, cable, all correct and present. The new place is alot noisier than I thought, but we'll sort the neighbours out with the upcoming Cup Final BBQ.

Arsenal have been further cementing that gap with Manure to clinch an automatic spot for next year's Champions League. Only 3 matches to go and 4 points in front. Should be a given, but a tricky game against Liverpool should raise the heart rate for a few more days. As for the 'Pool, you have to take yer hat off to their tactical nous in putting out the mighty Chelski. Not the prettiest stuff ever, but still nice to see a British side in the Champs League final. Chelski and Milan would have been the dream final, but those fantasy footie matchups hardly ever happen, do they?

Sword has been sheathed. Liverpool actually made it through to the semi-finals of the Champions League, after quite a solid defensive performance. But then, if Juventus had turned up for the game, it might have been a different story. Just makes you wonder what might have been with Arsenal, because they are undoubtedly the better side, no contest. I guess this is what mere mortals feel like...the bitter pang of jealousy never mixes well with humility.

Anyway, that means an all English semi-final of Chelski and the 'Pool. So a guaranteed English finalist. Nice one. Though who I'll be rooting for remains to be seen. I have to confess to cheering on Manure when they won in 1999 (just don't tell anyone), though this year I really have no preference. On purely footballing terms it would be great to see a Chelski-Milan final, because they are the best 2 sides in Europe this year. PSV-Liverpool would be pretty depressing...

Us Gooners have to console ourselves with the FA Cup, and this weekend's semi-final. I'll force myself to have a Tuborg or three while we romp to our 17th final. Or maybe just cry into my pillow at what might have been this season...

As John Terry so eloquently put it last night, "there's taking the mickey and there's taking the mickey...". So who the feck was that on the Chelsea bench in the hat, pulled down over his ears? Not trying to hide something were we, such as a small earpiece? Did you see any others on the bench with a hat on? Did that UEFA ban on Mourinho really make any difference?

Great game, though. Lampard was a diamond, has to be said.

So Arsene thinks England have a better chance of World Cup glory than France? He obviously got to see the French against Israel last week, because they were awful, Paddy Vieira included. Whether England can actually perform to a level that matches their massive potential remains to be seen, personally I think that Sven will always play it too safe to ever win anything. And of course, England have yet to confirm their place, something the Poles might just have a problem with...

Tonight sees an interesting Champions League game between Liverpool and Juventus, who haven't actually met since Heysel. Me, I'll be off to see this guy slip on his guitar, though the bout of flu that has attacked me may get the final word...

A few alcoholic beverages numbed my disappointment, once again, at Arsenal's failure to shine in the Champions League last night. The beers were flowing, in copious amounts, but the football wasn't quite there, was it?

In the end the boys (R and M, no K - he wimped out) and I headed out to Leo Blooms, where the locals were watching Real Madrid on the big screen, despite the pub's website proudly proclaiming the screening of Arsenal-Bayern. So we carried on down the road to Frame, where the voluptuous hostess more than made up for the muted TVs. So no pizza tonight, but some cracking tits chips, a bit of a rarity in the Holy Land - they really have no idea how to make 'em over here.

As for the footie, Arsenal simply didn't deserve to go through, though after Henry's goal I had a feeling that they might just do it. Never mind, there's always next year's failure to look forward to. And the 'morning after' press have had a field day, hailing the end of the Gunners, reasons for Arsene to move on and highlighting their endless failures in trying to make it big in Europe.

A lot of what was written makes perfect sense of course, which is the hardest part to swallow, but from what seems to be clear, there will be funds for some substantial new additions this summer. Should be an interesting close season, one that might just revamp a side needing some fresh impetus. And don't forget, next season is the last ever at Highbury, before moving here, so time to go out with a bit of a bang...

After a good, long dream in which Quincy, Cesc, and Loopy Lupoli vanquished all before them in a shiny, new stadium, it was time to put the boys on hold last night and concentrate on some other meaningless Champs League footie involving Chelski and Manure. I mean, OK, we'd prefer Chelski to beat Barca any day, especially with the English backbone they have, but I just have this sneaky feeling that people are starting to get pissed with Mourinho and even if they do lift the Champs League trophy, there'll be this feeling of, er, OK, so what, they bought their success...he's a great tactician, if boring and defensive is your cup of tea, and knows how to organize a team, but come on, with that dosh available, who couldn't build a successful team? As for Manure, I'm just pissed that G and R aren't here in the corridor to share my joy.

Tonight, it's the turn of London's finest to sweep away Bayern. Am I making a big mistake in inviting some of the boys round to share in my sorrow joy? The beers are piled in the fridge, my fingers are primed for dialing the local pizza place and mrs. liam brady's left shinpad has been banished from the house.

Meanwhile, Arsenal's next 'big thing', who is currently lurking in mrs. liam brady's left shinpad (that'll be Mrs. LBLS from here on in, just can't be arsed to write all that out in full every time I mention the other 'alf) womb, has been kicking his way to victory the last few days. I've got a feeling he's going to end up a real bruiser or at least have a mighty fine free-kick...