Arsenal Preview .... Anelka returns.


silence the gunners?

By Andy Leggott
September 10 2002

Nicolas Anelka returns to Highbury tonight fully expecting, and aiming to silence, the hostile reaction that will greet him. Whilst Anelka is a certain starter his strike partner, Darren Huckerby, may well find himself on the bench for this game.

Arsenal Preview

Nicolas Anelka travels to Highbury tonight with a burning desire to silence the Arsenal boo boys. Anelka has spoken this week of his love for the Gunners and their supporters and the belief that he was unfairly treated on his last return with Liverpool last season. He aims to silence his critics in the currency he deals in these days, namely goals for Manchester City.

Anelka is certain to start in this clash of the champions but his strike partner Darren Huckerby may find himself the only change to the team that beat Everton 3-1. Kevin Keegan is likely to start with the formation that lost at Leeds in an attempt to bolster the midfield in the face of world class opposition that would mean Kevin Horlock returning at the expense of Huckerby. The rest of the side is likely to remain unchanged after performing so admirably when down to 10 men in the Everton game.

London, and Highbury in particular, are rarely happy hunting grounds for City teams and in this fixture they couldn’t have asked for a tougher first game in the capital this season. The champions are unbeaten in 2002 and it is Arsene Wenger’s stated aim to remain unbeaten this season. Doubts remain about the post Tony Adams defence, particularly when hit with pace, but with an attack boasting Wiltord and Henry they will always score goals.

Personally, I would love a draw from this fixture, a win would be stunning but don’t be surprised if we come away with nothing. Come on City break that London hoodoo and that Arsenal unbeaten record with a couple of Anelka goals.

Get your Premiership Predictions in for this week.

Bookmark or share this story with: