By Avenell Dave
There are two schools of thought following Ch*vski's knee-jerk sacking of Roberto Di Matteo this morning.
A likeable Italian, Di Matteo's domestic form as manager wasn't impressive but winning the Champions League and the FA Cup is not a bad way to buy yourself time and opportunity.
Isn't it ironic that after dropping his underperforming striker who's tipped to leave in January and creating a culture of attractive football, he's lost his job as soon as the team have a blip.
Personally, I think the Ch*vs are a small, classless team in West London with little history, a horrible captain and a dubious owner.
But, whatever we think about them, they have won things and for the Wenger generation who grew up in an era of success, the barren years without a trophy have seen fans become increasinly Abramovich in their patience.
We're all feeling pretty pleased with ourselves after the drubbing of the Spuds but equally, we know that there is plenty of work to do if we're to compete for the title again.
Personally, I'm proud of the fact that we don't change managers every season or two - it's never been the Arsenal way - and that stability is why we've always competed while other teams come and go.
Believe it or not, even M*nure went 26 years without winning the title - and we never went more than 18 following our success in the 1930s.
While we all get frustrated and some question the ambition of the manager and the board, it's a no brainer to bring back Thierry Henry in January.
Le Roi will help the younger players develop (and hopefully persuade Theo Walcott to sign a new eal) and give the club a lift.
Of course in an ideal world Chamakh will leave and we'll sign another forward as well but I don't expect that will happen if I'm honest.
Wenger has said before that he sees Theo, Podolski and even Gervinho (!) as players capable of performing in the centre and if we continue to score goals with the ease that we are currently, I cannot see him bringing in someone else even if it would be a good idea from the outside looking in.
Maybe he can use the line "I'm not signing another striker because this is now Theo's time" as a carrott to get him to sign, if he hasn't done already.
Tonight is a huge night for the club. Win, Schalke win and we're both through. The team can rest up and let the reserves play in Greece - let's be honest, winning the group is unlikely now.
Montpellier haven't been playing badly but they are nothing like the team who won the title.
I can see us winning this and European nights are something to savour, so let's get behind the team and remember how fortunate we are to compete in this competition year in, year out.
Addict XI
Szczesny
Jenkinson Mertesacker Koscielny Vermaelen
Cazorla Arteta Wilshere
Ox Giroud Podolski