Champions League not secure yet, Gooners. And up yours, UEFA!

By Avenell Dave

I can't wait for this season to be over.

It feels as if every time a player is interviewed, he has to respond to questions about the 8-2 against M*nure.

Today, it was the turn of Mikel Arteta in Sport magazine and even though he arrived after that game, he still had to explain it and talk about the effect it had on the team.

Yes, it was humiliating, yes it was shocking for all concerned with the club, but it was a one -off and we have to move on from it.

People forget that we were without three players at that point - Gervinho, Song and Frimpong, ho had all managed to get themsleves banned.

What with the injuries, the inability to sign players until Champions League football had been secured and the departures we had endured over the summer, there are so many extenuating circumstances but why let that get in the way, eh?

On Saturday we face QPR and a couple of pantomime villains who the travelling support will love to get stuck into.

In some respects, that problem at OT was caused by Joey Barton, who successfully wound up our players and we ended up with two red cards. He later claimed that he'd been on theverge of a move to Arsenal, but then everyone has a creative imagination sometimes.

And who can forget Mark Hughes, the QPR manager who has had his fair share of run-ins with players and fans alike, most notably in recent times as a manager when confronting Cesc Fabregas when the Spaniard ran onto the pitch.

QPR are fighting for their lives and beat Liverpool recently. They may not be the strongest side in attack or defence, but Liverpool (notwithstanding their inferiority to us) still lost there a few days ago.

Any hint of complacency and they will be on it in a flash, so I can;t see Arsene Wenger making any major changes to a winning formula.

I hope Laurent Koscielny is fit and plays, especially with Bobby Zamora capable of giving us a difficult time as he has done in the past. I think this is the last game he needs to get through without a booking before a ban would kick in, and losing him for Citeh would be a huge blow.

The only other change I can see is in attack and I'd like to see Yossi Benayoun given a game. He's only started about four games for us so far in the Premier League but I have a feeling that this is just the sort of game where he could shine.

We have plenty of tricky matches ahead and let's all remember that we only have a three point cushion over T*tt*nh*m. Wenger mentioned consistency today and we have to look to win all our remaining games to be certain of a top three finish.

To finish in the top three would be a triumph given the start we had and underline the importance of stability. We've been fortunate with injuries lately and absolutely cannot afford anyone getting crocked before May.

We have a great record for 3pm kick offs and for non-UK televised games, so let's hope that continues.

Holding onto third place is essential for us now and anything other than three points at Loftus Road would be a disappointment.

** A quick word about UEFA. Fans in Eastern Europe and Spain make monkey noises and racially abuse players - a minor fine and a slap on the wrist.

Arsene Wenger made respectful complaints which did not undermine the integrity of anyone but questions aspects that in a free world, he should be entitled to voice.

UEFA are a disgrace for banning him for three matches today but, however petty and foolish their conduct, let's use it to our advantage.

Victory through harmony - let's gain strength through adversity. COME ON YOU GUNNERS!

Addict XI

Szczesny

Sagna Koscielny Vermaelen Gibbs

Song Rosicky Arteta

Walcott RvP Benayoun