Three reason's why the number "8" could be of huge importance to Arsenal.....

Reason 1-

With news coming from managing director Keith Edelman that Arsene Wenger could be in charge for another eight years at the Arsenal could we be in a more stable position? The future is looking bright and Arsenal announced pre-tax profits of £20 million for the six months up to November 2007, Edelman thinks Arsene Wenger is the man to take the club even further than he already has.

Wenger signed a 3 year contract in the summer worth £4 million a year, and is Arsenal's longest serving and most successful manager in the history of the club. Edelman has 8 years left on his contract at the club and is convinced Wenger will be there for at least the time he remains at the club.

"I don't think it [Wenger's departure date] is something we're contemplating at this juncture. He has just the other day announced he has a hunger to go on forever," said Edelman.

"He won't go on forever, that's an exaggeration on his part, but I don't think it will be my problem.

"I've got another seven or eight years to go and it won't be my worry."

When Wengers friend David Dein left the club in the summer it threw his own future in doubt. But he has remained loyal to Arsenal and will see out the work that he has progressed with so far. With talk of Barca wanting him, this great news for Gooners all round.

Reason 2-

Talking of the number eight, this could be important for Arsenal in the present and in the future. If we win at St Andrews tomorrow lunch-time it will put us eight points clear at the top of the table. Eight points in front at this stage of the season would be a HUGE advantage, and we must get the victory to put the pressure on ManUSA. How good would it be to see Kevin Keegan's Newcastle beat United after we have beaten Birmingham? I would love, just love it!!! (Sorry. bad joke!)

Reason 3-

And last reason for the number eight's relevance, the future. What I mean by this is who will be wearing the number "8" shirt on their back for next season? After Diarra's hasty scarpering, the number has been freed up for a new Gunner to wear. My money is on Carlos Vela. This little Mexican has been playing very well on loan to Spanish club Osasuna and looks a very good prospect for Arsenal. Wenger rates him very highly and so do I after seeing highlights of the player. Arsenalanalysis (a great Arsenal blog) has been running plenty of posts on the player and keeping us Gooners updated on his progress.

He signed a new deal at Arsenal at the beginning of the year and is a similar player to a certain Mr Reyes. Now Reyes could have top-class at Arsenal and I only hope that Vela will adapt better than he did and become a top Arsenal player. With the number "8" shirt on his back...........

Keep it Goonerish...........