Source: Daily_Mail
On the road with Arsenal... Arsene Wenger (finally) in good spirits
Funny old things, moods. Especially in football managers. [LNB]Some find it devilishly difficult to contain themselves. Sir Alex Ferguson, for instance. With others, like former England boss Sven Goran Eriksson, it was difficult to tell what he was thinking. [LNB]Arsene Wenger? I'd say he's fairly transparent. At 9.30am on Monday as the press awaited Arsenal's manager at London Colney it became quite clear that West Brom experience, like a lingering hangover, had not quite worked its' way through the system. [LNB] Plenty to say: Wenger (left) and Arsenal star Alex Song talk ahead of the clash with Partizan Belgrade[LNB]He gave straight answers to straight questions and was polite. What more can we ask, I hear you cry? Not a lot. [LNB]The word us assembled hacks would have used though: Grumpy. Fast forward 10 hours or so, to the official UEFA Champions League press conference in Belgrade last night, and there was an visible lifting of his spirits. [LNB]The Serbian cameramen at the rear of the press conference room underneath the concrete bowl that passes for the Stadium Partizan were engaging in a battle with the man from Radio Five who had upset a host broadcaster with a stray lead. [LNB]Cue the farcical situation where the hacks in front were trying to conduct their usual question-and-answer session while an almighty row was breaking out at the back. [LNB]An appeal for calm was pretty much spoken over as the inquisition continued. Much to Wenger's bemusement and enjoyment. [LNB]That brief - and impolite interlude apart - it was as if the juices had started flowing again. As if a decent training session on Arsenal's own turf and seeing the reaction of his group of players had lifted his spirits. [LNB] Upset: Wenger's Gunners lost 3-2 at home to West Bromwich Albion at the weekend[LNB]During the post-match de-briefing against the Baggies, (no pun intended) Wenger looked forlorn. But something - and I'm not just talking about the fracas among the media men - had concentrated his mind in the intervening few hours. [LNB]Certain bosses - Steve Bruce is a good example - often oozed confidence before big matches, especially when he knew the players wouldn't let him down. And that was the feeling I detected last night. [LNB]Although, as my wife never tires of informing me, I could be wrong. I often am inside my own four walls, after all. [LNB]What is without question however, is that never has a club been better named than Partizan. [LNB]Although sadly, that fervour has over-stepped the mark with tragic consequences in recent times. A Toulouse supporter was murdered here before a Europa League match last season. [LNB]An appeal for calm was made on the club's website before this evening's match urging fans to demonstrate 'traditional hospitality and kindness,' and 'to prove we are good hosts.' [LNB]However, with one of the Blue Ribband names in European football arriving at their stadium, the unbeaten Serbian league leaders are seeking their first win in the group stages of this competition. [LNB] High hopes: Young Arsenal midfielder Wilshere could have a big role to play against Partizan Belgrade tonight[LNB]They played in the league on Friday night, so have an extra day to prepare, as well. It promises to be spiky. [LNB]It will be interesting, for instance, to see whether Jack Wilshire's education is stepped up a notch. I have a feeling he might play. [LNB]One thing's for certain, though. The atmosphere will not be as openly malevolent as it was on my last visit to this stadium with Newcastle United, 12 seasons ago. [LNB]Back then, NATO had authorised the destruction of a couple of bridges in Belgrade and the whole match was absorbed by political considerations, not sporting ones. [LNB]Around 200 Newcastle fans were penned into one corner and they withstood all sorts from the home punters. [LNB]Arsenal have beefed up security with extra stewards and security staff to ensure their estimated 1,000-strong travelling contingent are properly protected. [LNB] Last night in the city, it appeared that the Serbians were indeed showing 'traditional hospitality and kindness.' [LNB]However, I somehow doubt that will be the case this evening. [LNB] Wenger has a 'little hope' Fabregas could return for derby with ChelseaArsenal will be on Song in one of Europe's most Partizan atmospheresArsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists the wheels won't fall off with Lukasz Fabianski in goalManuel Almunia dropped... but Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists it's due to injury ARSENAL FC
