I can't believe all this fuss about 'Arsene fearing for Henry' which comes as far as I can see from the NotW spinning something he said about Thierry and Arsenal not having started contract renewal talks. Let's just see what Le Prof actually said. "We are ready right now to negotiate a new long-term contract with Thierry - but I have the impression he is not". Obviously Arsenal want Thierry tied into a long-term contract right now. Equally clearly it would not be in his best interests to sign something too quickly, but he has personally said that he will be at Arsenal for as long as we want him. Now to me, and admittedly I not trying to sell what passes for a newspaper, that is not even in the same continent as 'doubts over Henry's future'. Or am I being naive?

However having said all that, I do wonder what happens in the boardroom when contracts come up or players are no longer required. We seem to leave things rather late and end up losing money as players go on a free. Surely that is not good management? If we are supposed to be limited in our transfer budget, why have we lost millions by letting players go at the end of their contracts rather than selling them for real dosh a year before. Only thing I can think of is that we don't actually think anyone wants to leave Arsenal and some sort of contract will be agreed. Well, wake up and smell the coffee guys.

I was rather bemused watching Sky Sports News where Man Utd were mentioned as the only team likely to catch Chelsea because they had won all three games. Why didn't they mention Charlton, the only other team with 100% record, or do they suspect that things can change during the course of a season. Nice to be written off after three games.

Speaking of being written off, the CL draw has been made. Of course Arsenal have no chance even with Vieira, so absolutely no chance without him according to most pundits. Even so, I guess we can gamely give it a shot, and Uefa seem to have given us a little hope with the draw. Couldn't have realistically expected a much better one.

The goalie saga goes on, now it's Poom. Apparently. Just curious, how come Villarreal couldn't find what was wrong with Viera. Hope we're not being too picky.