Friday Summary

Really a quick post this evening because there is not a whole lot to say. I'll do a short preview of the Norwich game later on.

First, the week in Gunnerland, which is not a pun on Wonderland because I try to maintain certain standards. International breaks always are, but on this occasion it seems to have been especially quiet. Even when someone whispers something of questionable importance, people turn their heads in wary shock as if somebody had tried to engage in conversation with them on the tube or bus. They're not sure whether to believe the person as it's been so long since they heard real human voices but they can't help listening to what's being said.

Anyway, the major story was the AGM which took place yesterday. Even that was, dare I say mundane. Which is of course good news when you consider the spiky atmosphere at last year's event. With the charismatic Peter Hill-Wood departed and new Chairman Sir Chips Keswick still finding his feet, the whole event screamed of the corporate varnish of Ivan Gazidis. Not that I'm complaining. After all, an AGM is perhaps the perfect stage for a man such as him. He does seem to be winning the fans over little by little and the 'What the f*** do you do?' brigade were no doubt appeased by his role in the signing of Mesut Ozil.

I'm not a share-holder and the club must have forgotten to personally invite me meaning I wasn't at the event itself. I can say though that the general mood was positive for pretty clear reasons and instead leave you to find reports or tweets or whatever from people who know what they're talking about if you have a real interest in what went on.

In other news, the week went by without incident. A number of players competed for their respective countries again. Notably, Laurent Koscielny completed 90 minutes so may still play this weekend. Mesut Ozil (who is in serious need of a nickname) scored again for Germany as they completed an eight goal umlaut-fest of an away win against Sweden and celebrated his 25th birthday on Wednesday. England qualified for the World Cup with a tidy victory over Poland. Jack Wilshere, who I fear may be forced into a bit-part role for next summer's tournament for one unjustified reason or another, made a short appearance. Other than that, there's not much to report.

So on to the Norwich preview. Injury news is all good with Cazagna (or maybe Sagnorla) declared fit although both are likely to appear from the bench if at all. We still have at least three wide men out which is a tad worrying with a run that reads Chelsea, Liverpool, Dortmund, United on the horizon but I haven't heard of any setbacks which is a rare and welcome relief. With regards to the game tomorrow, it's really one we should win. Every fixture seems to be a 'must win' according to someone or other these days and while I'd hesitate when referring to this match in such a way, it is the sort of game that Champions win at a canter. It'll also be interesting to see how the team come back from the disappointment of failing to beat West Brom.

It's silly to be talking about it in October but there is transfer speculation at the moment. Karim Benzema is a name popping up all over the place and I'm cautiously accepting. It does seem almost plausible: a player of proven quality going through a rough patch and being sold by a top club to fund the Chairman's crippling Galactico addiction. The prices suggested seem more than reasonable too but when all you can think of is paying for the next hit (possibly Luis Suarez) getting value for your belongings is the last thing you would consider. Pray for Perez.

Not much else to say. A comfortable win after a long break would be nice. So here's to it.

Farewell.