A kick up the arse

I found myself saying to someone after the 3-0 defeat that 'there's not much shame in losing to Arsenal' after the masterclass they gave us at TES on Sunday.

With Man U, Chelski, Arse, Bolton and Everton as our first few away fixtures, it was never gonna be easy. Whats really sad is that we haven't been able to pick up a single point out of these fixtures.

I wouldn't be too surprised if we do manage to put a decent run of results together from now on but the damage has already been done.

Zenden played well in the Carling cup game which is probably why he started against Arsenal, but I can't for the life of me understand having him in central midfield and Gerrard on the right. Gerrard sulked throughout the game (and if there's any truth in some of the rumors of his personal life flying around then you've gotta sympathise with the fella).

Infact, apart from Kuyt and maybe Agger, we didn't look bothered out on the pitch. Gonzalez has only had a handful of starts and I think once settled, he can be devastating on the left flank. He's only 20-21, mind. Pennant needs to improve sharpish. Bellers needs a couple of goals for his confidence and Kuyt needs to keep playing the way he is.

You predictions for the season? I'll go for 3rd with some silverware, providing we get our fingers out.