Podolski in the bag & Vertonghen next in the door?

May 1, 2012

Good Morning….

Finally, the worst kept secret since Chamakh joined was confirmed yesterday by Arsenal FC, yep, Lukas Podolski will indeed be a Gooner next season.

I’m so happy to be joining Arsenal and to play in the Premier League. Arsenal is one of the top clubs in Europe with a huge history. 

There are many top quality players at Arsenal and the style of football which the team plays is fantastic. I’m proud to become an Arsenal player and am looking forward to playing my first match at Emirates Stadium and doing my best for all the Arsenal fans.

Great news, nice early signing out the way and one which makes me think there could be a few more to come.

Has Wenger ever acted so quickly ahead of a transfer window?

I don’t think so but I bet there are still a few fans who would rather he’d signed Gotze, there is just no pleasing some eh!

Personally, I’m chuffed, we need a goal scorer and that’s just what we have got! He’s not just any old goal scorer though, he’s a German International and that has to be good.

Wonder what number he’ll get, number ten is taken…..

Nice Arsene, now go and tell Ivan to work hard on signing the next player(s) on your ‘most wanted’ list!

Talking of which, another huge rumour has gathered pace over the last few weeks is Jan Vertonghen. We all know the his current manager, Frank De Boer has confirmed he will be leaving Ajax this summer and we all know that he wants to play for us.

Well whilst we play Norwich at home this weekend, the Dutch League play out their final fixtures the following day.

If, and that is a big if all that we have read in recent weeks is true, we could see Arsenal FC announce another signing early next week.

Let’s hope so….

It looks highly like that Roy Hodgson is going to be given the England job, shame for old Harry eh but talk about a double blow for him, even his club don’t want to enter talks about extending his current managerial deal which runs out next summer.

Just got to feel for the guy eh… ;)

That’s about it for today, hope you all enjoyed the Manchester Derby last night, those two Managers really know how to behave on the touch-line don’t they….

Have a good day all…..

340 Comments | Daily Bits and Bobs | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by rico

Wenger to lose out on Vertonghen? Jacks out for the season & We naffed that up didn’t we…

April 17, 2012

Alan Pardew popped over to Holland to check out Vertonghen at the weekend, speculation is now rife that he heads the queue for hiring the services of the Belgian.

However, fellow Ajax defender, Toby Alderweireld is also on the Newcastle managers wish list for the summer, lets hope it was him he was watching, knowing full well that Vertonghen has already agreed a move to his favoured club.

Other news is about Jack and it will be no surprise to read he’s been ruled out for the season and for the Euros.

Onto last night’s debacle:

Just seven minutes on the clock and Wigan turned our attack into their opening goal.

As they broke from our corner, Arteta pulled up with an injury, Yossi stood still trying to attract the attention of the manager and in the mean-time Gomez bombed forward down the left, he found Di Santo in acres of space in the middle and that was 1-0!

Within a minute it was 2-0.

Moses cut in from the left, played the ball James McCarthy at the near post, this was followed by a bit of ping-pong off a couple of players, Gomez scrambled it home.

Arteta went off and Ramsey came on!

The question everyone was no doubt asking, ‘can we come back like we did against the Totts’?

Yossi had a goal bound header tipped over by Al-Habsi and soon after Thomas Vermaelen headed home to make it 2-1 after a good piece of play and cross by Rosicky.

Van Persie had a shot saved and Johan Djourou fired a shot from distance just wide. Rosicky too had a chance on goal but his effort went high over the bar.

Wigan were still dangerous on the break, the outstanding player for them was Moses.

Wigan had a good chance to go 3-1 up just before the break when Emmerson Boyce robbed Ramsey of the ball, thankfully Gomez shot went over the bar!

Half-time came and went!

We started the second half a lot better than we did the first and had most of the possession but Wigan were still a serious threat on the counter attack

Moses held strong against Sagna and got passed his man, his shot produce a good save from Szczesny, soon after he had another chance but his shot was easily saved.

The game carried on in the same fashion really, we had most of the ball, Wigan were playing counter attacking football but neither side found the net again.

Even the introduction of Chamberlain and Gervinho made little difference.

Blip?

No, last night should not have turned out in the way it did, we had a chance to go eight points clear of 4th place but we blew it.

Wenger is moaning about Wigan time-wasting, well it is pretty desperate when you are clinging on to a couple of minutes of added time just to grab an equaliser and why did he have to sulk off and not shake the hand of Martinez?

We had naffed up big time, from the moment Arteta went off we lost our shape, we had no width and no dictator in midfield, we are going to miss him, big time!

Quite a number of players were below par last night but, let’s not take anything away from Wigan.

They wanted the three points, they needed the three points and they were prepared to do more to get them.

Next up is Chelsea at home, that is now a match we cannot afford to lose, in fact we cannot afford to lose another until the season ends, not if we want to secure Champions League football.

239 Comments | Match review | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by rico

Jan Vertonghen plea, Wenger wants Keeper & Let’s not talk about the others, we are Arsenal…

March 19, 2012

Morning Gooners,

Well what a weekend of boredom as an Arsenal Fan, we had no FA Cup fixture and because our scheduled weekends opponents were still in the competition, our league fixture was postponed until this coming Wednesday.

I’m sure many Gooners feel like I do and hate the thought of not being involved in the FA Cup and it’s something that seems to happen a bit too often for me.

So when we have a quiet week what do we talk about, do we talk about the teams that are still involved, or do we find that a bit depressing?

Of course the horrific news about Fabrice Muamba has taken over many things on our minds no doubt as he still remains critically ill but hopefully today will bring brighter news for him, his family and all those who care about him.

Sadly though, one human being showed what an arse he is yesterday buy tweeting abusive comments about the Bolton man, but he’s since been in police custody and deservedly so!

So what else has been going on?

Podolski – Let’s not go there eh. ;)

Park Chu-Young

Rumour is he has been given permission from the South Korean Government to delay his national service which should start from 2013 but he has now been told he can take 10 years before he serves it. Now call me an old sceptic but how many governments in the world care what profession you have when your call up papers are sent through?

I might be jumping the gun here but this sounds a bit fishy to me, so I would take that with a pinch of salt too.

Wojciech Szczesny

Now this one could be true!

Apparently Szczesny has been riling up our noisy neighbours; he has said that we are coming to get Tottenham!

By this I assume that he means we will be chasing them down and over taking them in the league points wise and hopefully pass them, but that comment has riled the Tottenham Manager and he has told Szczesny to keep quiet.

Szczesny has also commented that the Chelsea team are being run by the senior players and not the manager, which ultimately cost Andre Villas-Boas his job. John Terry has also responded to this comment, insisting that this is not the case.

I think it would be best if Szczesny keeps his remarks to himself and does his talking on the pitch. We don’t need to be feeding the gutter press with ammunition; they don’t need any help in that department do they?

Jan Vertonghen

We all know he was at The Emirates on the night we battered AC Milan having been invited over by Thomas Vermaelen, well he has made it clear he wouldn’t snub a chance to join his best mate, if he should get a call from Arsene Wenger.

I have instructed my agent carefully. He knows which clubs I want to join, and Arsenal are one of them.

Arsenal are a magnificent club and I hear a lot of good things about English football, If a club of Arsenal’s calibre can reach an agreement with Ajax, then I will gladly go over.

I haven’t signed anything with them yet. But I went to watch them against Milan, together with my Ajax team-mate Siem de Jong, after Vermaelen invited us.

Arsene Wenger doesn’t need any more hints does he?

Jack Butland

A young English goal-keeper who is firmly on Wenger’s radar according to The Daily Mail:

The Birmingham keeper is currently on loan at Cheltenham but the 19-year-old has been given the thumbs up by our! He’d cost somewhere in the region of £1million, rising to £5million on appearances. He’s a big lad, 6′ 4″ and has featured for England under 21′s. Apparently that lot down the road are also keeping tabs on him…

Enough of that, our club are having a good period, picking up a few really good results and we have now had a week off since our last fixture against Newcastle.

Hopefully during this time off, the squad have rested well and can go on and make this break count.

However, let’s cut the chat from the players about other clubs, let’s leave all comments about the run in behind, if anyone wants to speak, let that man be Arsene Wenger, that’s part of why he gets paid £7 Million a year!!

The squad need to be concentrating on the job in hand and that’s on the pitch!

We have made it possible for us to finish in the top four, we should make it our business to make sure we achieve that position as a minimum, keep the lips buttoned and the workload high then at the end of this season assess where we are and work hard for next season.

We have a very good squad but concentration and perseverance is what’s needed now forget who’s doing what and take every remaining game and make it a must win one!

We have done most of the hard work let’s finish in style, after all were The Arsenal, a professional club with professional players.

COYG’s

Written by Steve Palmer

237 Comments | Daily Bits and Bobs | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by rico

Wilshere soon back? Bendtner & Fergie give us a helping hand! Would Hoilett, Podolski, Nzonzi & Vertonghen ‘fix’ us?

March 5, 2012

We might get to see Jack Wilshere before the end of the season, according to Wenger:

The last scan was good and he can start to jog again so he is on the way back – but we have to be very cautious with him.

Very cautious please, we nor he need any set-backs so if there is any doubt leave him out as we all know Pearce would love to have him in the squad for the Euro’s. I’m sure every Gooner would just rather he’s back fit and healthy for our pre-season.

Despite the transfer window not opening for a few months yet, already we have been linked to players, some more than others and here are four of the main ones who appear regularly in the news:

Steven Nzonzi – a 23 year old, 6’ 4.5” French defensive midfielder currently plays Blackburn and France under 21’s.

David ‘Junior’ Hoilett – 21 year old, 5’ 8” Canadian winger currently plays for Blackburn.

Lukas Podolski – a 26 year old, 5’ 11.5” Polish born German striker/winger who currently plays for FC Koln and German.

Jan Vertonghen – 24 year old 6’ 2” defender who currently plays for Ajax and Belgium.

Being linked to us and actually signing for us is gulfs apart but sometimes there is no smoke without fire.

Many believe that the Podolski deal is done and dusted all bar crossing the t’s and dotting the i’s.

The press in Germany suggest he will be the first through the doors at Arsenal and very soon after the transfer window opens too.

Vertonghen, well as we all said in the summer, he’d be the perfect defensive signing; he is Mr Utility across the back line. He’d be like signing Giles Grimandi all over again, but ten times as better. ;)

Suffice to say, we’d all be happy with those two wouldn’t we?

What about the other two, IF we were to add both Hoilett and Nzonzi to our squad, would you be happy?

Or should we be aiming a lot higher – would our captain hope that we aim a lot higher?

Talking of our captain, he’s scoring for fun these days but behind every goal of his is more often than not a great assist and Robin recognises that:

I’ve got 31 goals this season. I can’t believe it, It is the first time in a season I have scored this many – and 25 league goals, it is just insane. But I have to thank my colleagues because without them I am nothing and they are a massive help.

The words of a man about to turn his back on us? No, I don’t think so either!

One man who probably won’t be with us after the summer is Nikki Bendtner, well he scored from the penalty spot yesterday to earn his Sunderland side a point against Newcastle. A good point too as they were playing with ten men for half an hour and it certainly helped us to keep the Geordies off our tails.

Quick word from Arsene Wenger about tomorrow’s Champions League fixture:

We want to make the impossible possible. From the first leg it looks impossible but we have to have a real go, play with belief and think we can do it. You never know. Maybe I will change the structure of the team to go for it and see if we can put them under pressure and score some goals.

We have nothing to lose. For us to find the right balance between having to completely go forward and not concede a goal will be the difficulty for us because they have talented players.

He did joke about playing something like six strikers and ‘go for it’ but we all know we haven’t got six strikers.;)

Mikel Arteta is in good health and he hopes to face Milan tomorrow, guess we’ll have to wait and see if Wenger agrees….

Finally and for all the Freddie Ljungberg fans out there, he’s returning to England. Not for footballing reasons I hasten to add but to star in ITV’s Celebrity Big Brother.

The programme is rubbish, but I’ll be watching until he gets evicted.

Oh, did I forget to mention that the Tiny Totts lost… 4 points guys and gals, just 4 points…..

Have a good day all….

131 Comments | Daily Bits and Bobs | Tagged: , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by rico

Could Hazard and Vertonghen really be on their way to Arsenal?

January 26, 2012

The usual gossip mongers were out in force yesterday and two I read related to the above players. Suggestions are that we have made bids for both.

Another I read related to Everton’s Baines, Wenger has shown interest but the two clubs are apart on the fee, in other words Wenger has offered a tenner but Moyes wants that figure in the millions… You get my gist.

Rumours were rife that Eden Hazard was at The Emirates on Sunday and watched us lose to Manchester United, his tickets having been given to him by Gervinho – again, I don’t know if this is true but I’m sure the media and red top reporters would have had a field day if story were it true, apparently a  French journalist spotted him in the crowd with friends!

Hazard and Vertonghen would be the kind of signings to please all Gooners and would probably be half way towards convincing Robin van Persie that his future remains at Arsenal.

Since last summer we have all read that Thomas Vermaelens best buddy is very likely to leave his current club and of course the Hazard rumour seems to have been around since Allezkev was born and that’s well over seventy years. ;)

Seriously, for the right price from the right club both could be available and there isn’t a better club than ours for them to join. Neither would spend their time sitting on the bench gathering splinters like they would at some places and both would just slot in like they have been with us for years.

How do I know that?

Actually, I don’t but that is what quality footballers do and these two are just that! They are not up and coming players with potential, they already have a reputation and both are very good. Ok, they are not proven in the English game but can you see either struggling to adapt? Nor can I.

Knowing our luck though, Hazard was only at The Emirates to watch Manchester United and Arry will get in first for Vertonghen!

Arsenal have until Tuesday to spring a surprise….

Here is an interesting article from the Daily Mirror – it’s worth a read…

Last night was a strange one, Manchester City with all their millions and all their superstars couldn’t muster up enough desire to beat Liverpool. That’s them out of the FA Cup, Carling Cup and Champions League for this season and I for one don’t doubt that they will soon start to drop a few points in the Premier League too, allowing Fergie and his team to walk away with another league title.

Pressure will be on them now and I’m not sure they have the bottle or belief in themselves to roll their sleeves up and win anything.

That’s why we need to start rolling our sleeves up and start fighting for that 4th or even 3rd place spot because both yet could easily be up for grabs.

Vertonghen and Hazard in the door and we’d get one of the places I’m sure…..

Actually, anyone with heart, passion, grit and a bit of steel in them could get us into the top four, that’s what we lack right now!

Have a good day all…..

333 Comments | Daily Bits and Bobs | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by rico

Jack Wilshere in trouble with the Arsenal Fans and UEFA? Alex and Cahill linked again…..

December 9, 2011

Naughty Jack has been accused of breaching UEFA rules by betting on Arsenal during our final Champions League fixture.

He is supposed to have said on Twitter:

‘Champions league tonight come on the Arsenal! @Frimpong26AFC 1st goal is 150-1… worth a cheeky £10

Frimmy nearly won me some money there!’

The latter was when Frimpong came close to scoring when the scores were level 0-0

Not to miss out, young Wojciech Szczesny replied to Wilshere saying that a bet would be a waste of money.

Frimpong then responded with:

Cheers Guys U can put a tenner on a tackle? whats the odds :)

A UEFA spokesman has since had this to say:

All persons bound by UEFA’s rules must refrain from any behaviour that could damage the integrity of matches and competitions. A breach of these principles is committed by anyone who participates directly or indirectly in betting or who has a financial interest in such activities.

Jack has strenuously denied such allegation:

I didn’t actually bet on the game. I know we’re not allowed to! I was only messing #justtobeclear

Funny enough, all Jack’s tweets have now been deleted from his account.

What is wrong with people today, have they no sense of humour?

If Jack wanted to place a bet on our Champions league fixture, don’t they think he’d have got someone else to do it and, would he be stupid enough to tweet about it?

No, I don’t think so either, get a life UEFA!

Moving on to something else about Jack which could upset a few staunch Wenger fans!

He has been talking about the impending vacancy for the England Managers position and he’s all for our current manager filling it next year.

Wenger wouldn’t be a bad thing for England. He proves it every year. He and Sir Alex Ferguson are the best managers in the league and, if the boss at Arsenal wanted the job with England, I’d be delighted with that.

Well, what do we make of that, has Wilshere had enough of Wenger at The Emirates?? Nah, I don’t think so either….

Staying with Wilshere, he’s confident of a return early in the New Year as long as he suffers no set-backs. Just the news we have all been waiting to hear.

Finally, the gossips are suggesting we are still interested in Gary Cahill, no surprise with The Daily Mail there but they also suggest old Ebenezer Wenger may turn his attentions to Alex, who should be available quite cheap next month. Chelsea also want Cahill as does ‘Arry and the latter is reported to have made an enquiry for Jan Vertonghen.

Boy, it’s hard to keep up with all the Red Top talk but out the three listed, the one who would who would make most impact with us is the 6′ 2″, 24 year old Belgium.

So go on Arsene, sign him up and our defence will finally be complete…

Simples innit…..

Have a good day all, Everton up tomorrow…..

67 Comments | Daily Bits and Bobs | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by rico

Wenger’s off, Vela isn’t, Gibbs bruised, Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City all out!

September 23, 2010

Great news came out the Arsenal Camp yesterday that Kieran Gibbs has suffered severe bruising to his left foot and should only be missing for a couple of weeks – I am sure I was no different to any other fan in dreading that he had suffered a long-term injury – he was ‘massive’ against the Spuds and we need him, especially if we are going to shove all the comments back down the throat of the media who doubt we have what it takes to win anything this season.

I actually think we can. Play with the heart, desire and passion we showed on Wednesday and anything can happen and don’t forget, we didn’t have our strongest eleven out either, but what we did have, was big-hearted players who knew just what that game meant to every Arsenal Fan!!

2014 will be upon us all before we know it and it seems that Arsene Wenger believe that will be the year he walks away from club management – well, if he’s not up to it anymore! Apparently he’s told some old French rag that he’s staying until the ed of this current contact but will see how he’s feeling. But he does stress that should he stay another few years beyond then, it will be because its best for the club and him and not because another club has failed to tempt him away. he loves being where he is and loves the freedom he is given by the board to get on with his job!

In other words Arsene, when your contract is up, if your fit and healthy, you will be staying!! Good, as long as Wednesday’s attitude remains. By that I mean taking your punishment graciously and sending out the right team to beat the opposition in the evening!!

Talking about the ‘other night’ – some more great news came out yesterday. Naughty little Carlos Vela has been banned from playing for Mexico after a wild night out on the town with his team-mates, well I couldn’t give two hoots about his party or his ban. Its great news for our club as he won’t be trekking off all over the world to play stupid friendlies and pick up silly injuries. My only gripe is he didn’t invite a few more Arsenal players to his party, then they would be staying in London too for the next six months!! ;)

Bit of the usual gossip about who we are ‘looking at’ – new reports in the paps yesterday about Wenger being keen on Thomas Vermaelen’s previous team-mate and current national team-mate, Jan Vertonghen. Ajax are broke and its widely expected that a few players may need to be sold as early as January to try and make ends meet. He’s 23 years old and can play in defence or midfield. The Stains and Juve are also reported to be keen on signing him but if I were him, I know where I’d rather go…

That of course is to a team that’s well and truly on the up…..

What a strange night in the Carling Cup, Newcastle knocked out Chelsea, Northampton saw off Liverpool and West Brom sent Man City packing. See Arsene, the door is wide open now for this competition and who knows, it may just be our turn!

That’s it folks, have a great day….

94 Comments | Uncategorized | Tagged: , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by rico

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 496 other followers