175 and still counting! The end of Almunia?

Remembering, of course, that we were drawn against these exact opponents in the same stage of the FA Cup, during the same time-frame a year ago – plenty has changed for both sides since we huffed and puffed to a 1-1 home draw, before winning the replay 3-1 at Elland Road.

We, of course, has seen the departures of our former number four – who had to come off the bench and convert the late penalty which gave us a 1-1 in the original tie – and Nas; as well as a new first choice goalkeeper and a few new additions courtesy of the Summer transfer window, and the loan return of our all-time record goal scorer, now wearing the number 12, vice his previous 14…

Leeds also returned with a somewhat different side. Injury ruled out starters Snodgrass, Howson and Kisnorbo, while the player who really caught my eye during last year’s ties, Max Gradel, departed for St. Etienne this past August. Promotion is surely the primary objective for Leeds again – kinda like us and the top four – but I would not discount a good result being viewed as a jump-start, as Leeds’ recent run of has seen them slip out of the promotion play-off spots.

In the buildup, Arsene indicated that Robin – currently away and resting in Dubai – would not be available, but that a strong squad will still be picked.

We lined up Szczesny, Coq, Squil, Kos, Miquel, Song, Arteta (tonight’s Captain), Ramsey, OC, Chamakh and Arsh.

Martinez, Yennaris, Benny, Theo, Miyaichi, Thierry and Ju made our bench.

A rest for Mert (replaced by Squil), Theo to the bench, and otherwise as strong a side as we can probably field, factoring in suspensions (JD), injuries (TV), and tournaments (Gerv to ACN). Rookie Martinez was named as the second goalkeeper, all but verbally confirming there is no place for Almunia at this club…

We kicked the match off and started quickly, passing the ball around well. Arsh tried a couple of early shots, neither of which troubled Lonergan in the Leeds goal. Just five minutes in, Chamakh found Arsh in a great position – unmarked, no less – with a fine pass, but the latter completely wasted it, sending a dreadful effort over the bar.

Squil was the next player to squander a good chance, with a quarter of an hour gone. Chamakh teed him up with an excellent free kick, but the defender could only head wide.

I suppose it’s better than heading it directly to Zamora in our area, but…I thought we had bought Chamakh to be the player to get on the end of these type free-kicks – while it was admittedly a good delivery, surely he would be better used in the box as a target for these kicks…

A minute later, Ramsey had a pop following a good run; he got his effort closer than either Arsh or Squil, but not close enough. Leeds then got their first real attack going, as we looked shaky from a free-kick. Vayrynen’s initial shot was blocked, but we could not clear, allowing Becchio to collect. Fortunately, his finishing matched Arsh’s, going wastefully high.

In the next sequence, Chamakh somehow missed an open net from just a couple of yards out. It wouldn’t have counted, as OC was wrongly whistled for a foul earlier in the move, but still…

Just before the half hour mark, we received yet another injury blow…This time Coq pulled up clutching his hammy. Arsene quickly replaced him with Yennaris, as our injury problems in defence show no signs of abating. An early, unwanted substitution, with no defenders remaining on the bench…

The match continued its pattern: we kept the ball, showed decent – albeit slow – build-up, and inevitably saw the move break down through a poor shot or poor decision. Leeds spent little time with the ball and posed virtually no threat. But neither did we, for that matter…

A few minutes before the interval, O’Dea earned the game’s first booking for fouling Chamakh. Arteta took the free-kick, but Leeds cleared with no difficulty. Then Ramsey tried another long-range shot. This one deflected off White for a corner, but Squil once put a poor header wide.

The whistle went a few second later.

There were no other changes as Leeds kicked the second half off. OC tried to get us going with a quick early shot, but couldn’t hit the target. We then forced a couple of corners – which we couldn’t convert – as we continued to see most of the ball and do all the attacking.

Leeds countered and won themselves a corner, but did nothing with it…Then we attacked, and then the move broke down – and on, and on, and…

It took 55 minutes for either keeper to have to make a save, and Lonergan was the first up. Chamakh fed Arteta, who shot towards goal, but didn’t get enough on it, and the Leeds custodian had to stretch, but saved without much difficulty. As the match passed the hour mark, the monotonous pattern continued…

OC was probably our best player up to this point, and he woke the crowd up with a fierce shot which forced Lonergan into a more difficult save. So naturally, OC is the first attacking player Arsene substitutes, with Theo – who could probably use a full game’s rest – coming on for him…

This happened in the 68th minute, as part of a double switch…

The moment most of us Gooners awaited came simultaneously, with Thierry getting his first action of his second stint, replacing the yet-again-ineffective-Chamakh. As the match entered the final 20 minutes, Brown fouled Theo to concede a free kick, which Arteta wasted with a poor delivery.

We then forced a pair of corners, which…well, you can guess what we didn’t do with either.

Just when a dour 0-0 and unwanted replay loomed, we made the breakthrough.

Song, who did little prior to this point, sent an excellent through ball into the box, Thierry slipped away from Thompson and shot across Lonergan into the far corner for 1-0, his first goal of his second spell with us, and his 175th (competitive) in Arsenal colours.

Welcome Home!!

Almost immediately after the goal, Szczesny had to save from Brown, just about the first involvement for our keeper with almost 80 minutes gone. McCormack, who replaced Becchio a few minutes before we scored, couldn’t convert a good, headed chance.

Arsh had at least two good chances to put the game away but continued his woeful finishing and let Leeds off the hook.

Szczesny then had to save Forsell’s close range shot as we reached the 90 minute mark. Arsh then got our first booking two minutes into stoppage time for fouling Brown.

The full time whistle went about two minutes later, and we advanced to a fourth round tie with Aston Villa…

Some would say this is like old times, what with Thierry saving our bacon. I don’t think it is such an exaggeration to suggest that he, in 25-odd minutes of action, contributed as much as both Chamakh and Arsh have for the entire calendar year of 2011.

Arsh stayed on the pitch for the entire way, but I thought he was one of our worst players on the night, particularly with his finishing.

As welcome as Thierry’s goal is, it has to be said that this was a poor, poor performance.

We looked like we reverted to some prior bad habits, such as aimless, over-passing, slow build-up, and wasteful finishing. Collective energy looked low and despite having a relatively strong side out there, we didn’t impress.

Thierry will be the story – and rightly so – but I don’t think we can simply brush off our unimpressive overall effort this evening…

In fact, we haven’t really played well for a string of a few matches now. We squeaked wins over QPR and now Leeds, dropped points at home versus Wolves and lost at Fulham. Injuries certainly contribute – we have not played with a natural or recognized (as in acknowledged primary position) full-back for several matches and that has certainly hurt our attacking play and weakened our depth in the defensive positions but that is not the whole story.

Arsh and Chamakh have shown – yet again – that they cannot be trusted to deliver and neither Ju nor Miyaichi even got a look in.

Despite fielding our starting midfield trio, there was very little creativity from them, other than Song’s assist for the winner.

In 25 minutes of play, Thierry has probably made himself our impact sub until his loan expires and this is not only due to his goal but also because we don’t get much from our other options. Most of them either don’t deliver when called upon, or don’t even get called upon…

So once again we are hitting a New Year lull.

We can only hope that our starters don’t burn themselves out, leading to another March/April collapse. A lot can change, especially when we start getting our injured players back but at this very moment, I am not particularly encouraged by what I see from our team.

I think we are fully capable of pulling it back together and going on another run, but we need to get positive contributions from many more players than what we are currently getting.

We’ll see.

now, we can all enjoy advancing to the FA Cup fourth round and a feel-good story with Thierry’s goal on his return. Hopefully there will be more to come from him, and his presence will help our other players lift their games.

Once again, Welcome Home!

Written by Oliver

243 thoughts on “175 and still counting! The end of Almunia?

  1. ArsenalDK says:

    Good morning everyone! I had tears in my eyes when Thierry scored. It was like a fairytale!

    And I made an interesting conclusion:

    Chamakh, age 27, has played 637 minutes of football this season, scoring 1 goal

    Thierry, aged 34, needed only 10 minutes to score as many goals 😉

    Plus The Ox was sensational! I love him already!

  2. Joaquim Moreira says:

    good morning!
    TH is great but he could be sent off after his fault !
    We need a central forward quickly. Not many opportunities, not many ideas and in last 10 minutes again, we were very tired. We could, at leat, draw again or worst…
    Transfer news: Remy (Marseille) Totts . Payluchenko (Totts) Marseille
    Di Maria (R. Madrid) – Chelsea
    Kevin de Bruyne (Bruges) Chelsea

    Catch you later

  3. Rockyrocastle07 says:

    Morning all. great write up Oliver. I know I should rise above it, but the more I think about Chamakh, the more I feel rage build up inside me. He was so lacklustre last night. Even AA was giving it a decent go. Ok, his shooting was dismal, but he was terrorising the Leeds Back line. Ok, a player of his ability SHOULD be embarrasing defenders from lower leagues, but the fact he’s not done that for so long now I can’t even remember, brought a slight smile to my face. No doubt he will be crap again from here on in. But Chamakh….. He has to go. and fast. Not just because he has a permenent look of someone about to cry, but because he is dreadful. Ox looked good yesterday, as did, I think, Miquel. Gutted about Coq. That could now guarantee the inceredible sideways-heading Squid a few starts now

    As for TH…. It was always going to happen wasn’t it?!

  4. lee says:

    morning all…With 12 minutes remaining, Henry scores his 12th goal against Leeds in 12 appearances wearing the number 12 shirt in 2012

  5. rico says:

    Morning all – good write up again oliver..

    If that display last night wasn’t enough to convince Wenger that he needs to buy a striker last night, then nothing ever will..

    Thank goodness Chamakh is now gone, it will force Wenger to play someone else up front and Henry is not the answer.

    Yes, he was a saviour last night but how many minutes can he play each week, talk about putting pressure on one player!

    AA should have scored at least two goals last night, for all his huffing and puffing his end product is shocking….

  6. Rockyrocastle07 says:

    We were also carved open a good few times late on, and were lucky to have not conceded. New striker and a couple of decent defenders needed ASAP methinks…..

  7. rico says:

    lee, i didn’t realise that TH wanted number 12 when he first joined us, certainly a number that’s good for him, not so good for leeds 😉

    rocky, totally agree re your last….

  8. rico says:

    ADK, I think the Ox showed exactly why he should be starting, yes he’s young but he’s a fit strong lad, not some skinny whimp, Wenger needs to start believing in him….

  9. devilgunner says:

    Morning guys and chicks of the Henry faith.

    Good post Oliver…….well up to standard as usual.

    It still seems surreal. Seeing TH playing was already the stuff of dreams but to see him bend the ball in the far bottom corner is beyond anoyone’s wildest dreams.

    When he got the ball I was already screaming…….I was already sure of what was going to happen.

    TBH I am elated and embarrassed at the same time. TH’s appearance and goal were something I was sure I was never going to see again. His contribution to the team was as usual great.

    However his stature has blown the ineptitude leadership of the rest of the team into reality. This team lack leaders, whatever AW might say that he sees many leaders. There are only three leaders in the team…..Tommy, Per and RVP. The rest have no personality. They do not know how to stamp their authority on the field of play. The best way to put it is that everyone in the team passes the buck to the next one. No one takes resposability. Did you see Arshavin when TH came on. He nearly shit in his pants and started playing better. Even Song. And this without his GAZE and STARE. Imagine if he gave them that.

  10. devilgunner says:

    lee says:
    January 10, 2012 at 10:01 am

    morning all…With 12 minutes remaining, Henry scores his 12th goal against Leeds in 12 appearances wearing the number 12 shirt in 2012

    THAT WAS A GREAT POINT LEE. AMAZING

  11. Rockyrocastle07 says:

    AGree Lee. Although I still really don’t know where I stand on Kalou. I know he has massive potential to miss an open goal here and there, but he’s not the worst player we can sign. Having said that, I’d prefer someone more prolific. And I don’t mean Podolski either. In fact, I don’t actually know who I want to come in, if I’m honest. Bridge would be the ultimate fuck-you from Wenger to the fans if he brought him in. Disasterous.

  12. rico says:

    Rocky, agree again, we need a defender and a striker and thats the least we need this month….

    Whats the betting that the first game after the transfer window closes, RvP or Henry gets an injury??

  13. rico says:

    Agree lee, what does that say about our clubs ambition?

    Did you guys see henry talking to Theo all the time about what was going on on the pitch?

  14. Rockyrocastle07 says:

    DG – I think Szczesny has a bit of authority about him, and the defence have certainly reacted positively to him being in goal

  15. Joaquim Moreira says:

    I read somewhere my thougts: Albiol (Barcelona) the right sign on loan.
    And Walcott? More or less the same…
    AA wants to do things and try harder to do them, but his legs are not the same. Moreover, he wants to play for be fit for the European Cup. Same with Rosicky
    all the press talk about Kalou

  16. Rockyrocastle07 says:

    No probs DG! But you’re right. Wenger can go on all he wants about how many national captains etc he has. What good is that when one (Park) isn’t even deemed good enough to play ahead om the dismal Chamakh, Rambo is far too timid (can you honestly see him berating Henry for something? Me neither) big bad Merts is still finding his (massive) feet in the game, and the list goes on. We need more leaders.

  17. rico says:

    DG – added to that, the emotion shown by TH was incredible, how many of our players show that kind of emotion in a game, maybe 4 or 5 but certainly not enough….

  18. lee says:

    I just read that Rico….FFS £8m, just do it!
    Why did the chicken cross the road?
    Because it was stuffed up Anthony Worral Thompson’s jumper…boom boom!

  19. rico says:

    i thought it was cheese lee 😉

    If thyere is truth in that story, wenger should just do it, £8M is hardly going to break our bank is it and we get a player with years ahead of him, not some old washed up has been like Bridge….

    I’m hoping now that last nights game is out the way, Wenger might actually get off his butt and sort a couple of deals out…

  20. Rockyrocastle07 says:

    Lee – Gerv would have aimed near post (and skied it), AA may have scored but could also have hit it at the keeper. Chamakh would have missed the ball completely, and Theo would have badly mi-controlled his first touch straight back to the keeper.

  21. devilgunner says:

    Arshavin captain??? Park Captain???? lololololololol

    I know they are captains, but that is simply because they are the best of their country.

    TBH I do hate it when captains are chosen because they are simply the best footballer. I never choose my captains in that way. I see who takes the game by the scruff of its neck and is not afraid to put himself on the line

    A captain like a coach is someone who must have charisma. The majority of the players reflect the manager……look at our players. The majority are so like AW……astute, quiet, calculating and unflappable. They do not have passion. We had lots of leaders in the GG era. They dwindled or better still AW dwindled them until none are left. Now they are coming out again and slowly but surely they are surfacing. If we include TH we have about 5. We need at least 3 more.

  22. kelsey says:

    This was a night for the Arsenal faithful one which I am sure will long live in the memory of the fans, but put into perspective it still showed especially in the first half that regardless of the opposition we are forever creating chances but all the forwards and attacking midfielders are woefully out of form and just can’t put the ball into the net.We hardly tested the Leeds keper and if I have to single out one player it is Chamakh. We may have got him on a free but he brings absolutely nothing to the attack.
    Now we have yet another injury in defence and it would be criminal if Wenger doesn’t bring in at least two players even if on loan, in this window.

    Unless there is a dramatic increase in goals scored we will have a fight on our hands to maintain a top 4 place.Many think it’s our defence that is the problem but it is in fact the attack and without RVP God knows where we would be.

    it was interesting to see Henry talking in depth to Walcott in the first half and that goes along with my theory that Henry has been brought in to help the players tactically as much if not more off the field than on.

  23. lee says:

    My son recorded a “sky sports clssic” the other day, the 5-4 win at shite hart lane…our 5 goals were scored by 2 wingers 1 striker 1 defensive midfielder and a right back…any chance of that with this squad?

  24. rico says:

    Hi kelsey, we have been saying the same about Henry, his role off the pitch will be just as important as it will be on it….

    lee – zilch !!

  25. stevepalmer1 says:

    Morning all,
    Another fine report Oliver, i never saw the game, but i cought the highlights later, I listened on 5 live and we sounded dire, your report as always read as it sounded from the radio.
    Well i got it all wrong in my last post, when i said that Theo would be up front with Thierry tucked in behind, Which only makes me think that Theo will never get to play centre forward, When a 34 year old player gets the nod before Theo, makes me feel that Theo will stay as a winger until he leaves. Chamakh and Arshavin have again used another life. Cats only get nine lives but they have surpassed that many times already. Our team i know have many injuries and they keep on coming,. we are now down to bare bones as we fielded Squilly, The way we are going Pat Rice may have to get his boots out again, Thierry gets us out the shite, Wenger has plastered over the cracks in this one but trouble looms.

  26. rico says:

    Hi Steve, Wenger has been papering over the cracks since henry left and he’s doing it again now on his return….

  27. Rockyrocastle07 says:

    DG – I agree about the GG era. Any one of the back 5 could have been captain, smudger could have done it, Paul Davis (for his elbow-smashing ability alone).. the list goes on. There were at least 8 leaders on the field at one time.

  28. rico says:

    Marouane Chamakh has put any talks about his future at Arsenal on hold for the duration of the African Cup of Nations.

    The striker has found the net just once for Arsenal this season in their 4-3 defeat by struggling Blackburn and could find his appearances limited with the arrival of iconic Frenchman Thierry Henry on loan.

    The 28-year-old and his Moroccan team-mate Mounir El Hamdaoui are currently being targeted by Italian giants Fiorentina.

    But Chamakh would not be drawn on any talk of a move away from the North London side while on international duty.

    “Fiorentina is a good team,” he told Sky Sports.

    “I want to have a fantastic African Nations Cup – the rest will follow.”

    El Hamdaoui, though, is currently out of favour at Ajax and has been linked with a number of European side in recent weeks, commenting: “I want to move to a bigger league and show my qualities.”

  29. STV says:

    Morning gooners… What a game for Thierry Henry.. A fairy tale return..
    Good post Oliver.. It’s just like yoiu said.. like old times. Sadly that leads us to the sorry state of some of our current forwards..

  30. rico says:

    Good job Henry has returned and scored last night, afc.com would have nothing to post without him…!

    Hi Stv – was indeed a fairytale, if i were a cynic i would suggest it was all staged 😉

  31. devilgunner says:

    If I know that it was all staged and that Arshavin missed his sitters on purpose I’ll beat the shit out of him. 😆 😆

  32. rico says:

    Ah, now then, I am a bit of a cynic Stv 😉

    Arshavin, now what do we do with him indeed… best I not answer, don’t want to be rude…. 😉

  33. devilgunner says:

    Rico in one of Arshavin’s shot the distance between the ball and the bar as it flew over it was greater than the distance between Arshavin and the goal line. TBH he was terrorising the Leeds defence all the time, and he grew on more when TH came on. However his finishing was woeful and dire. We need a better attack which can score the goals the team creates.

    Ramsey and Arteta had good game but they need to start scoring the odd goal also.

    At least with TH and RVP we can go 4-4-2 now and have two goalscorers. What about getting in Wright08 back from retirement. 😆

  34. rico says:

    Dg, agree, he tried, unlike Chamakh who was just hopeless but……. 😉

    We have to be honest though, we were facing a leeds defence, he should be terrorising them, and that is no disrespect to leeds..

    Would he have been able to do the same against most PL defences? His performances this season suggest not..

    He and Chamakh actually make me think that Kalou wouldn’t be a bad signing, that shows how bad things are 😉

  35. EastSidePaul says:

    Did anyone else see our old number 8 in the crowd last night?!
    Special moment last night, one of those surreal moments.

    It kills me to say this, but Ramsey played very well last night, his touch is great, though he is still as slow as a continent..

  36. STV says:

    so nice of u.. :p.. no words then,

    From what I seen this season, AOC is very good at home games we should play him more often than Arshavin..

  37. rico says:

    Its been on the cards for a while Esp, you have finally had to admit it re Ramsey 😉

    Manu?? He was in the tunnel with TH12 before the game too

  38. DutchGooner10 says:

    Morning Rico,Lee,Rocky,Kelsey,DG,JM,ADK.

    Oliver particularly enjoyed your assertion at the of your piece.

    Lee putting that comment up on 01.10 at exactly 10:01 is just as legend. 😉

    So it was a cakewalk game with a Thierry on top. Hoerai.

    Must say pounding the crest on his chest flags the flaws in the team’s attitude.AW take notes please.

    Reincarnated Barry White took it to center stage: You’re the first, the last, my everything.

  39. Rockyrocastle07 says:

    ESP – Rambo did play pretty well. Although he has picked up an annoying habit of instead of playing an early ball, he keeps hold of it, turns back on himself, maybe once or twice, then has to play it sideways or backwards. I hope he gets rid of that, as I’d hate him to become the new Denilson…

  40. Rockyrocastle07 says:

    Just looking at that arsehole sitting all smug and arrogant, chewing gum with his mouth open so wide it’s ridiculous, made me angrier that seeing Chamakh run the ball out of play time and time again.

  41. EastSidePaul says:

    Couldn’t have said it better Rocky.
    Was very disappointed not to Ryo get a run last night, instead of Walcott.
    What has Walcott got on Wenger? How does he play instead of AOC? Unreal..

  42. devilgunner says:

    Going back to the TH12 goal number 227.

    He made a diagonal run to the outside first and then ran up behind the furthermost defender in space to connect with the ball. Now the majority of youth coaches do teach that to teenagers….how to time your run on the blind side of the defence while all the defenders are ball watching. How come forwards like Chamack, Arshavin, and to a certain extent Theo never do so?? That is kid’s stuff. FFS they are professionals they should know these type of runs by heart.

  43. STV says:

    yes too many touches and turns.. I think he will do good as a def midfielder.. but as an attacking mid fielder not great. he retards our attack in many times..

    having said that he had many good games shows it’s a matter of improvement.

  44. Gooner Sam says:

    Morning all, I’ll be honest a tear ran down my cheek when Thiery scored, reminded me of the good old days when we had quality in abundance. The team we currently gave is not bad but it’s not the heavyweight it once was and for ne it’s all down to the lack of ambition of the board. I don’t want a Man City style bank roll I just want Wenger to get back to what he is good at, paying reasonable money for good players and making them stars. These bargain basement buys on the whole just don’t work and any quality we do have gets fed up with playing with them and leaves. I worry that the board have already conceeded that we won’t qualify for 4th and sp are now saving our money.

    Sorry rant over, I just feel like I saw a glimpse if the glorious past in a sea of future mediocrity..

  45. DutchGooner10 says:

    Gooner Sam

    Tongue-tied Stan is a commodity trader,as in gold, oil and pigs. The board is on a broker fee.

  46. Vikram Singh Negi says:

    I am sorry but we have a habit of slating some players no matter what they do.

    Squillaci did really well yesterday, barring a misplaced pass which came to nothing. He headed one FK wide, but he was under a lot of pressure. The second header was by Kos, not Squillaci, which was over the bar.

    Chamakh didnt take the freekick. It was captain on the night Arteta. Chamakh worked really hard yesterday, and his passes and layoffs were coming off. He doesnt suit our system right now, which to be fair is not his fault. He works his socks off. I remember him playing even though he couldnt stop coughing in one of the games.

    Arshavin was really lively yesterday. He had no end product, but he busted his gut all night long for the cause of the team. He once got severely bodychecked when the ref turned blind, he once got his head thrashed from behind, but each time he got up and got on with it. He also tracked back each time he lost the ball to help the young Miqel.

    I know that these players are not doing well at the moment, but they are giving their all. They are not a disgrace to the shirt. Who would you rather have pull on the jersey: a-full-effort-no-end-product Arshavin/Chamakh or a half-hearted-only-money-matters Nasri/Ade.

    Greed and hardwork eventually show. We saw greed work its magic in August with Nasri, we just need to support our lads till hard work pays off too.

  47. STV says:

    It’s just a bussiness for him.. Squeezing AW’s effort. loyalty Fan’s patience passion for making money and not repaying the club any thing.

  48. Rokabox says:

    good moaning all!,

    Awsome from Henry,composure and good finishing that was the difference, for a striker you have to anticipate the pass by intelgent movement around the box, RVP do that as well, Chamakh always hiding between defenders and his first instinct is to pass the ball even if he has a chance to shoot himself, and that not good at all for a club like Arsenal. However Henry is not the answer I agree for
    obvious reasons.
    AA worked hard to be honest he was aggressive and quick but unfortunately showed lack of composure and panic shooting, Wenger desprate to prove he is right to play him, but till now no miracles.
    Ramsy did well I thought but he is still long way to go.
    and did Walcot actually touch the ball when he came on!?
    I thought the young full backs did ok though.

  49. devilgunner says:

    and if you watch his movement again closely you can see that he immediately began pulling the Leeds defence into difficult areas and, was always taking up position between Zac Thompson at right-back and centre-back Tom Lees. The two leeds defenders took it for granted that he would do so again and when he went behind the furthermost defender nobody expected him to be on the blind side. In a word he simply ran behind defenders with 34 year old legs but with the killing instinct of a lion. THAT IS THE FOOTBALLING BRAIN that Theo, Chamack, Arshavin and to an extent Gervinho still lack.

  50. Rockyrocastle07 says:

    Vikram Singh Negi – in answer to who I would rather prefer? None of them. I don’t want money grabbers OR people who play half hearted at the club. That’s exactly what’s wrong with the team, summed up in your one question. Why should we pay money for half hearted performances? These people are paid a lot for doing not very much. They should have pride in the team they play for, therefore should give their all in EVERY match. Squillaci is not a good player. Nor is Chamkh. Neither is good enough for Arsenal, and therefore should be sold. We are not just slating them for no reason. They are consistently poor, and have had more than enough chances to prove otherwise. Squilachi had an OK game. Against a lower division team who for most of the game only had 1 person up front. So he hardly redeemed himself.

  51. DutchGooner10 says:

    DevilGunner

    Doctors call it sleep paralysis. The inability to act on your dreams being in a limbo state.

  52. Rockyrocastle07 says:

    And with regards to “No end product”, that’s all well and good, but with strikers you NEED an end product. I’d rather have someone playing an ok game and hits the net regularly and win us the league / gets a good league position that being totally reliant on 1 man to score the goals to get the same result.

  53. devilgunner says:

    For heaven’s sake Vikram Singh Negi…….we were playing Leeds from a lower division not a premier league or champions cup side. If we had proper finishers in this team we would have won by about 6 or 7-0 not scraped through 1-0

  54. devilgunner says:

    Seaman we do not need. Keown, Adams and Bould are slightly off…..we do have 3 quality centrehalves. Its Dixon and Winterburn we need……and at the double. And perhaps Wrighty should also come out of retirement!!!! 😆 😆 😆

  55. Rockyrocastle07 says:

    DG – my sentiments exactly. I’ve not been on this site long, but what I have noticed is that no-one slags a player off for no reason. No-one on here is that childish. Lets face it, I don’t kknow of any single person that would have been happy seeing Squillaci (I’m that dissinterested in the guy I haven’t even bothered to learn how to spell his name) named in the starting line up. He’s never been good enough, and should not be playing for Arsenal. Looking back at your comment of him “doing really well”, I’m afraid I have to disagree with that too. The best you mentioned to back that up was a missed header… Hardly the stuff of legends! He was part of a pairing that was carved open too many times in the second half but a lower division striker who played up front on his own! Not good enough, sorry.

    And are you seriously defending Chamakh?! I agree, Arshavin had his best game in ages. That’s the Russian International Arshavin, terrorising a virtual unknown Leeds team….. If he hadn’t have terrorised them, I’d track him down and batter him!

  56. Rockyrocastle07 says:

    Hi Rokabox. Yeah I pretty much agree. I think Walcott had a few touches, realised he could easily beat his man, and then decided not to bother doing it anymore!!

  57. Rockyrocastle07 says:

    I love that clip! Love the way he just takes it and carries on without the slightest look of pain! That hit him flush on the side of the face… That would have hurt!

  58. ArsenalDK says:

    I can see that the news on Diaby’s injury has been updated:

    “Last Updated: 10 January

    Abou is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury.”

    They could as easily have written: “Diaby is an enigma. He’s gonna be out between 1 and 345 weeks”

    That guy + Wengers stubborness can really piss me off!

  59. devilgunner says:

    Oyyyyyy mates……..stop mixing me up. DutchGunner10 and ME. Can you kindly put DG10 for the former and leave me only as DG??? It would be highly appreciated. 😉 🙂

  60. rico says:

    Coquelin has signed a new deal 🙂

    Fancis Coquelin has signed a new long-term contract with the Club.

    Since returning from a successful year long loan spell with French Ligue 1 side Lorient in the summer, the France youth international has featured 12 times for Arsène Wenger’s side.

    Demonstrating his versatility with a string of fine performances in both holding midfield and defence, Coquelin has established himself as a valuable addition to the first team squad this term, putting in a man of the match performance against Tottenham in October and providing excellent cover in both full-back positions.

    The youngster, who made his Arsenal debut in the Carling Cup victory over Sheffield United in September 2008 aged 17, has now racked up a total of 16 games at senior level.

    As well as being a regular for the Reserves in recent seasons, he was an integral part of the FA Youth Cup-winning side of 2009 and a key member of the France team to win the European Under-19 Championships a year later.

    Everyone at Arsenal looks forward to Francis’ continued contribution to the Club in the years to come.

  61. DutchGooner10 says:

    Devil

    Sorry to cause confusion with my nick name. Noticed the mix up as well.

    If it returns regularly I will deal with another choice of name.

  62. rico says:

    One out this window…..

    Luke Freeman has signed a two and a half year deal with Stevenage.

    The former Arsenal player had been on loan at the Lamex Stadium for the past two months during which time he made five starts and three substitute appearances.

    The winger did enough during his spell to earn a deal with the club after his loan spell ended at the weekend.

  63. Rockyrocastle07 says:

    A friend of mine who goes to watch Stevenage regularly said she was mildly impressed with Freeman. Hope he does well.

  64. lee says:

    Rico, I was giving AK a match commentary via textlast night when he text me “I’m at the game” so at 21.05 I text him “TH12 is shit and won’t score”…….hey presto!! 😆

  65. rico says:

    ok, devil for the gunner, and DG for the gooner 😉

    Rocky, I’d rather he played for us than Chamah 😉

    😆 lee, that’s funny – poor old AK is full of a virus too…

  66. rico says:

    I was just wondering the same about kalou Stv, spooky – wonder if there is any truth about him returning to london….

  67. rico says:

    Have been to The Emirates, Henry was with us the first time 😉

    He was injured though and walked around the ground, I was fortunate enough to say hello and shake the great mans hand 🙂

  68. Rockyrocastle07 says:

    Nice! Pretty jealous right now!! Like a lot of people who post on here, I grew up going to Highbury so that place will always be my favourite, more special out of the 2. I think the only real things that is better about the Emirates is that we fit more people in now, and the views from any seat really is still good. But as for everything else, for me, Highbury trumps it

  69. rico says:

    DG10 – that story bloody irks me, why is he and only he allowed to pop off for a sunny holiday in the middle of our season??

    What does that say to others….

  70. STV says:

    Very few tranfer stories this time unlike in aug..wonder kalou thing is for real.
    Aly would be a great addition..

  71. Rockyrocastle07 says:

    I wish I could Lee. I can never get hold of a ticket these days, and when I can, I generally can’t afford it! It’s a shame, but I now genrally see myself as an armchair fan or a “plastic fan” as some moronic season ticket holders who look down their nose at anyone else, would put it!

  72. Upgunners says:

    Afternoon all. Check on VSN(12:13) he’s probably AW in disguise.lol.:-). I’m glad we survived yesterday but for how long? The way AA, chamak and the likes play, i’m suspecting a mafia in England has threatened them not to score or else they’ll lose their legs either that or they do it on purpose. Some of those chances are just too obvious, either ways they should be shipped out.

  73. STV says:

    Swansea is in bloody form..will be a difficult game.. We have a tough 5-6 games ahead.. we did’nt make most of our games lately…

    definitly not a time for holy day trip rico..

  74. devilgunner says:

    Devil suits me fine. I was getting muddled up looking for comments that I did not remember writing and seeing them under the DG name.

    Kalou, Vertonghen and Cissokho would be good this january. Hopefully Henry deal would be extended. And like you I do not agree RVP sent on a holiday while the others are at work.

  75. DutchGooner10 says:

    Rico

    AW probably worried he wouldn’t be able to resist the temptation. If RvP were around fielding him against Leeds and risk a injury. That would force him and the board to buy this window.

  76. Dearboy says:

    We keep wanting to buy strikers and defenders, good! how about a real good passer of the ball who can split defenses, score and second the strikers roll, a guy like Kaka who is readily available and can come, cause he needs to play ball. we win the ball, pass the ball but lack the decisive pass, and Ramsay is a culprit of giving away too many balls when he should give the perfect pass, because Arsenal attack as a unit with the whole midfield, the defense always fall short and always seems to be backtracking in a one on one situation. we should also try and play both Walcott and OC, the opposition defenders know to well that Arsenal are not that quick on the counter as we use to be, but with a guy like OC who is fast and strong supported by Walcott somewhere near or on the other flank things can happen with a good pass reaching either.

  77. rico says:

    Agree re Highbury lee, wonderful place 🙁

    His boss has probably told him off for blogging, either that or Stan is fed up with me hoping we sign Cahill 😉

    Seriously, no, haven’t heard anything 🙁

    Stv and then we have the Manure at home – worrying eh…

  78. FunkyGTC says:

    As an Ardent Whites Fan I’ve always been a Massive Terry Onry Fan! & had my Pride as a Whites Fan Not Stopped me, I’d of stuck a One’r on Terry to Score the Winner!lol like Burgercamp before, has always been a Pain in the Arse n’ Alls down to Sheer Brilliance & Skill by the bucket load! Besides my Beloved Leeds I’ve always admired The way Arsenal play good passing clean football! But what ESPN “yr Shit & you know you are! Lol“ as Sung so beautifully by our fans, Never Really mentioned & Arsenal NEED to Understand is Arse put a Strong Squad of mainly 1st Team players out! Which considering our Defensive issues & Injurious Galore!ie:Becchio,Mc’Cormac, O’Dea ALL Still Recovering from injury,Snods, Howson, Sam, Kisnorbo +Just bout Every Full/Centreback INJURED!& Asm for young Thompson just turned 19&a MIDFIELDER! Had his First Full Start as a Right back!& kept Chamakh in his Back Pocket!& only 1 Lapse of Concentration in front of Arguably The Best Finisher of a Ball Ever!(BUGGER! lol) which I think we can forgive lol. For me it was Evident what the Gunners have Missing in Abundance!A Natural Leader! for me Henry was & is a Complete No Brainer! Did you Notice How He was Constantly Talking to Walcott NON-STOP! Reading the Game & Teaching him how to try & Exploit the Defence! Or They were ordering an after game Chinky! He Brings That Extra Something (just like Beckham) Experience & Practical Advice that younger players should Soak up like a Sponge!
    Otherwise had we had a half fit Team it’d probably of been a Different Outcome Last night!
    Which Doesn’t Look good for the coming months unless Arsenal get there Shit together the League title/FACup is just gonna be a Dream!…. Which I for one hope Scumchester dont take advantage of! So Goodluck lads & All the best in the league/cup. From a REAL Fan of Football but Most of all LEEDS UTD. Keepin The Faith. M.O.T.

  79. Rockyrocastle07 says:

    I was thinking last night he hadn’t posted on here yesterday… I was wondering if he took my (misguided) advice to throw a sickie and come over for the match last night!

  80. lee says:

    Rocky, pangs of guilt? You’ve fucked his career up big stylee…he’s come over here for the game and been binned!! 🙁

  81. devilgunner says:

    Maybe Stanlina has taken time off to try and fathom out how could a bronze statue come to life and score again.

  82. devilgunner says:

    Or maybe Rocky is right……he took a sickie and when he went to the Emirates he was seen by his boss (who may have been a leeds supporter) and was binned. 😆 😆

  83. DutchGooner10 says:

    Thought Stanlina was exaggerating. Being a drama Queen. But you guys can be ruthless.

    Makes a beaming smile nonetheless.

  84. goonster says:

    You guys are unbelievable. I take a leave of absence and you cook up conspiracy theories! Sheesh lee I thought you know me better. Afternoon guys, how about the stadium like night? Packed huh? Hey rocky how are you doing my man? DG, get off my case. Stv, dude shouldn’t you be in school or something?

  85. Rockyrocastle07 says:

    Feels like I tainted a beuatiful mind and turned him on to a road of anti-establishment! Or then again….!

  86. Rockyrocastle07 says:

    Ahhhh there he is!! I’m dooing good thanks mate! Feeling better knowing you are still in employment!!

  87. devilgunner says:

    Goooooooooooooonnnnnnnnnniiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!

    You are still alive man!!!!! Was the dole queu a long one??? You poor fella…..having to stand there in this cold. Joking mate

    Heard that you went through the roof when TH12 scored……and then right back through the loo on which you were shitting, erm sorry sitting!!!! 😆 😆

  88. goonster says:

    Me bos is killing me Guys. He’s all over me. I can’t even pissed without him peeping. I saw highlights of the game DG. Shed a tear. Missed my old arsenal.

  89. goonster says:

    Can’t get him off my back. Am presently blogging underneath my desk, hence my bad typing. So what’s new guys? Have we signed anyone yet?

  90. DutchGooner10 says:

    Goonster

    No done deals. Just the usual guilty by association from the press.

    Kalou apparently took a plane from ACON training camp to discuss contract terms in London.

  91. goonster says:

    What french striker lee? Probably be a cheap shit head who can’t hit a barndoor from 3 yards. Sign matias suarez already. Grrrrr

  92. Yorkshirewhite says:

    Hi guys, i am a loyal (rabid) Leeds fan and although disappointed we went out last night i am glad it was by a single goal and by the king himself!! Henry is the best player i have ever seen live, he had everything in his arsenal (did you see what i did there) ALL HAIL KING THIERRY!!!! MOT

  93. goonster says:

    Great news there DG. We need to tie down this young man long term. What about song? He’s still pussy-footing right? Flog the mug says I! We need committed players not prima donas.

  94. DutchGooner10 says:

    Goonster

    The reports say he’s in London and is stalling a new contract with the Chavs. That’s why Arsenal got mentioned in the same breath as possible suitors.

  95. goonster says:

    Thank God DG10. Can’t stand the sight of another “chav reject”. Hopefully we ll sign suarez. How shit was chamakh last night! Whatever happened to that young man. Was one of his biggest fans when he signed. Bummer, another one wenger ruined.

  96. lee says:

    for you Stan…
    Arsenal have been told they can make a move for Lyon defender Aly Cissokho to solve their defensive woes, according to The Daily Mail.

    Arsene Wenger has seen injuries to Kieran Gibbs, Andre Santos, Carl Jenkinson and Bacary Sagna in defence this season, which has left him without a recognised full back. The Gunners boss is looking to secure a short-term loan signing and had been linked with Manchester City left back Wayne Bridge, whilst his players recuperate. Cissokho is rated highly by the Arsenal boss and with Lyon’s dismal financial situation of late, the French side are ready to sell the 24 year old.

    Cissokho is keen on a move to England and the player’s representatives will hold talks with Lyon soon over the possibility of a sale. The 24 year old left back has plenty of Champions League experience with the Ligue 1 outfit and will be a welcome addition to the Gunners squad. Wenger would have to pay around £8m for Cissokho, but faces competition from Newcastle over the signature of the French international.

    Wenger has remained coy over a move in the January market and believes the likely scenario would be a loan signing. Arsenal signed Andre Santos in the summer from Fenerbahce and also have Kieran Gibbs, who is considered one of the bright young prospects to be England’s left back in the future. The Arsenal boss is desperate to strengthen defensively and will wait to see what develops in talks between Cissokho and Lyon, before making his move

  97. DutchGooner10 says:

    Goonster

    Suarez came out with a public statement in Belgium press, telling he’s not moving this winter.Wants to help out Anderlecht in the domestic league and Euro Champ.

    Chamug got lost again somewhere in the Leeds defense. Did have a good layoff for AA.

  98. goonster says:

    Thanks lee just what I needed to hear. DG10 are you for real? Bummer would have loved to see him sooner. Oh well, come on chamakh and park.

  99. DutchGooner10 says:

    STV

    Le Cog is the season’s revelation for me. Overjoyed he signed a longterm. Lille showed interest in his services before the window opened. Would you trade him for Hazard + cash?

  100. STV says:

    ~ 3 weeks out by a hamstring problem.. coquelin

    A Casemero guy has also been linked. Worryingly though he’s playing on denilsen position and from his old club..

  101. DutchGooner10 says:

    Suarez 1 day ago:

    “I will not leave Anderlecht in the winter transfer window, not even if Arsenal make a move for me,” Suarez told Sporza.

    “I want to help the club achieve their goals this season. Things have been going pretty well, and we can achieve some great things. I don’t want to let the club down now. If I leave Anderlecht, it won’t be during the winter break.”

  102. goonster says:

    Spot on DG10 but mine is kozzer. He’s been almost”god like”. What a player and to think some were slagging him off this time last year. So happy I was vindicated for my belief in him. In your face imbred scums.

  103. STV says:

    DG10 true mate.. I’d give him a long term contract for his peformance against scums alone..He was on song against fulham too..

    As you say then thats it for saures. No buy for now !

  104. DutchGooner10 says:

    Kozzer improved major on his positioning and tight defense. Body to body he will not be budged out and lose track of the ball anymore. I had my doubts but glad to be proven wrong. He had mixed performances yesteryear. Still want Vertonghen though to beef up the depth of the squad with quality. Makes the rotation more sensible without losing the tenacity at the backline.

  105. rico says:

    Evening guys and gals, and welcome to the leeds fans coming on this afternoon, but for TH12, we would no doubt have been coming up to your place soon….

    Sorry for the delay letting you on, I was away from the laptop….

  106. goonster says:

    Yeah DG10 just like Rico wanted cahill. Jan won’t happen. Wenger ll tell you he’s got 6 defenders at his disposal. We won’t be getting a CB in years. I ve said that all year long don’t know why folks won’t see into wenger’s logic. He’s not a defensive coach.

  107. DutchGooner10 says:

    JD has been dismantled, looks like he got stripped from defense quality this season. Unfortunately Squirrelaci needs to play to generate interest for a transfer. Otherwise he will sit this contract out. I know you’re right about AW’s stance. I just wish Arsene would make it more clear, if you’re a liability go twist your thumbs with the reserves.

  108. STV says:

    Djorou has been awful !! a man faulty of four goals in a match aginst man utd cannot be forgiven in my book.

    Not that he’s been better since then.. more awful at right back too with some exceptions.

  109. rico says:

    If Wenger isn’t going to buy a defender, he should think seriously about getting Bartley back, i’d rather him than Squilli…

    I know someone said earlier that Squilli had a good game last night but without being disrespectful to Leeds, they weren’t the same threat up front that PL sides will be, and they actually had a few chances….

  110. rico says:

    Stve – and he alone nearly gifted the chavs 2/3 goals earlier this season… thank goodness they couldn’t finish…

  111. goonster says:

    The curse of the full backs continues I guess. Now this is getting ridiculous. What’s going on? I guess agag or Rico needs to do a naked rain dance to appease the Injury gods. Come on girls take one for the team. What do you say*big smile*

  112. devilgunner says:

    Awwww come on Rico…..give us a show for the benefit of the team. Pole dancing would be good……or belly dancing!!!!!!

  113. goonster says:

    Stv, Rico’s no team player. She should take one for the team. We re really suffering here. I just consulted odin and he said ” a pretty damsel needs to do a naked rain dance” for the injury to leave us alone and it gets better……the bad injury juju gets transferred to the scummers! Come on already. We don’t have much time.

  114. STV says:

    Some of the FA’s decision is dubious.. seen that foul 1 game I thought .. remember they appealed Rooney’s red card !!

  115. rico says:

    boys eh 😉

    Guys, I’m having to go off from HH early tonight so I’ll catch you all tomorrow…

    You all be safe, have a good evening and Nighty Night…

  116. DutchGooner10 says:

    Just heard on the 6 o’clock news:

    Eric Cantona called a fake press conference claiming he would run campaign to become president of France. At the end he pulled the rabbit out the hat, asking more support and sympathy for the homeless in his country.

    Either he’s lobbying a chicken soup contract or his brain has left his scalp rather sleeping underneath the bridge.

  117. goonster says:

    Ahhhhhh come on guys….I just got here. Get back here STV! Am not playing. Rico what’s the rush for? Come on people.

  118. goonster says:

    He’s a weird one, that cantona. Anyway who Cares about an ex manure pile. He’s better off a rodeo clown if you ask me.

  119. lee says:

    i know i read that this morning, he’d really fit into our team imho, pacey,play across the front line and an eye for a goal…I’d like to see him play as CF with RVP in the DB position….that would be a blinding set up!
    Rico, you can see the knock on effect from TH12’s signing, imagine if we added remy/vertonghen as well

  120. rico says:

    spot on lee, i’d love him at afc, but you see wenger paying the kind of money being talked about? Where do they get there money from?

    It was similar when Arshavin signed, lifted the team, sadly now he’d only lift the team if he left 😉

    Remy and JV would really push us on… There is talk about Chamakh going…

  121. lee says:

    those two would cost say £30m if we could ship out JD AA SS MA & NB…that’s would raise smalls towards it…nett nett would fck our kitty!
    Won’t happen though…SHAME!

  122. lee says:

    MC plus £12m…..something I was gonna metion yesterday, with £/euro becoming more favourable (ie £1 = 1.21 euros now) these european players are cheaper! Also Spain’s top end tax bracket is going to be 56% in the not too distant…….

  123. lee says:

    Arsenal youngster Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could move out on loan in January to gain valuable experience before Euro 2012.
    The hot prospect has not had many Premier League opportunities at the Emirates and would appreciate the chance to impress England manager Fabio Capello with more regular appearances.
    With Thierry Henry’s recent arrival to cover for Gervinho’s absence at the African Cup of Nations, it seems first-team time remains at a premium for Oxlade-Chamberlain.
    In October Capello praised Oxlade-Chamberlain, indicating he might be able to make it into the squad for the European Championships.
    ‘I have been impressed with him,’ enthused Capello.
    ‘He is a really interesting player. He is a good player, who has a lot quality and is playing at a really high level.
    ‘He will be a really interesting player for the next friendly games before the Euros.’
    There will be no shortage of suitors for the dynamic

  124. rico says:

    Truble is he won’t offload JD, he is one of his project youth and I can’t see him selling AA either, he’ll no doubt think he played better on Monday and keep him, especially as Gerv is now missing….

    Those on loan I don’t think he can sell until the summer, shame MoN just doesn’t make the deal permenant but again he won’t do that until the summer either…

    We all see what is simple but you know who doesn’t…..

  125. rico says:

    i read that his wages demand were too high so we may drop the asking price to £5M – is he even worth that?

  126. rico says:

    Ox on loan, what a stupid idea that is, absolutely stupid, if he needs experience, then we should be playing him, so that could be him and Ryo gone on loan….

    SSP has done a post for today, i think you’ll like it, some won’t though 😉

  127. rico says:

    lee, maybe you should enail the euro details to wenger, he see’s it very differently, or should i say Stan does!

  128. lee says:

    Penny pinching wankers….this will lead to a finish below those david blunts up the road and no CL football….fcking jokers!

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