Arsenal are a far better team when Emmanuel Eboue plays

The stats show Wenger is right to stand by the scapegoat

The chickendinner spreadsheet above shows how much better Arsenal have performed with Emmanuel Eboue in the side than they have without him this season. The difference that the Ivorian makes for the Gunners is so drastic that they win more than twice as many games (80%) when he starts than they do when he doesn’t feature at all (38%).

Posted: December 10th, 2008 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment

Why Arsenal will send out a message by winning tonight

Porto/Arsenal, 7.45pm, Sky Sports Xtra, Best Odds, Free Bets

There is a feeling among many Arsenal fans that they are going to enjoy a season similar to that of Liverpool in 2004-05: out of the title race by the end of November but capable of beating anyone on their day and therefore, capable of winning the Champions League. And, unless either Juventus or Lyon score an unhealthy number of goals tonight, a win will see Arsenal lay down a marker by finishing as the best performers in this season’s group stage. Here are six reasons why they will achieve that accolade:

1. Porto have failed to score against Arsenal in their three Champions League meetings and Arsenal comfortably dispatched them 4-0 at the Emirates in September.

2. Arsenal average more goals away in the Champions League this season than they do at home, having managed three a game on the road compared to 1.67 at home.

3. The Gunners are unbeaten in ten games against foreign opposition, with their only European loss over the past twelve months coming against Liverpool in April.

Posted: December 10th, 2008 by Michael Lintorn | Add Comment